How does a Psychiatrist treat depression? A Detailed Guide
Any person, regardless of age, race, or sex, may suffer from depression at some point in their life. It may impinge on your life and interfere with psychological and physical functioning But for everybody, there is some hope and support available.
It is important to note that depression is not your mistake and being depressed doesn’t make you weak. To get help you must consult a psychiatrist for depression who is a specialized medical professional trained in psychopharmaceutical treatment of mental health conditions.
For those struggling with mental health issues, it takes courage to reach out and seek help. But, don’t hesitate to ask for help or to seek treatment. Remind yourself there is hope, and definitely, you are not alone in this.
Addressing the Stigma of Depression
In many cultures, including our own in India, mental health disorders like depression remain stigmatized and are therefore under-treated. People dealing with mental illness may be shamed and isolated due to misconceptions and negative attitudes of society. For this reason, people often remain unwilling to seek professional help for fear of being judged or misunderstood.
That's why your personal well-being has to take priority. Realize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Everyone deserves the right to live a healthy and productive life, and professional treatment can help develop tools and support for living with depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition which can affect millions of people each year from across the globe.
It is more than the ordinary feeling of being sad or down, and can make a person lose interest in activities they used to enjoy in the past. It can make you feel hopeless and helpless. It can also disrupt sleep and appetite. Some of the depression symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Continuous depressive, hopeless or an empty sensation.
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
- Lack of concentration or decision-making power.
- Weight changes and loss of appetite
- Disturbances of sleep
- Guilt and worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
It is important to understand that everyone experiences depression differently and its severity and duration can differ based on symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above then seeing a psychiatrist for depression should be on your list, as proper treatment can help you manage the symptoms of depression and improve the quality of life.
Whom Does Depression Affect?
Depression can affect anyone — including children and adults. Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to have depression than men and people assigned male at birth.
Having certain risk factors makes it more likely that you may develop depression. A few of risk factors of depression are as follows:
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer's and Parkinson's reduce brain function and can lead to depression.
- Stroke: A stroke can result in physical and cognitive changes, placing a patient at risk for depression.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Causes malfunction of nerves and has been linked to the prevalence of depression.
- Seizure Disorders: Are chronic neurological disorders, which have a high comorbidity with major depressive disorder.
- Cancer: The diagnosis and treatment processes often result in major changes in mental health.
- Macular Degeneration: Loss of vision can lead to depression.
- Chronic Pain: Another major element that severely disturbs a person's mood and leads to depression is chronic pain of a long-term nature.
For example, the following conditions are associated with higher rates of depression: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Stroke. Multiple sclerosis. Seizure disorders. Cancer. Macular degeneration. Chronic pain.
What are the types of depression?
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder classifies depressive disorders as the following:
- Clinical Depression: A clinical depression indicates that you have had symptoms such as changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and loss of interest in activities on most days for at least two weeks, along with feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or melancholy.
- Persistent depressive disorder: Mild to severe depression that persists for two years or longer is known as persistent depressive disorder. Compared to major depressive illness, the symptoms are not as severe. PDD dysthymia was the term used by medical professionals.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: The DMDD shows up as chronic, intense irritability and constant anger outbursts in children. These symptoms typically begin by the age of 10.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): In PMDD, one has premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after your period starts, but they can be severe enough to interfere with your life.
- Depressive disorder due to another medical condition: Many medical conditions can create changes in your body that cause depression. Examples include hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. If you’re able to treat the underlying condition, depression usually improves as well.
Different mental health professionals have expertise in the treatment of different types of depression.
Do I Need to See a Psychiatrist or Therapist for Depression?
Before deciding on whether to consult a psychiatrist or a therapist for depression, understanding what both mean and offer is important. This would help make an informed decision.
What does a Psychiatrist do?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who undergo a one-year medical internship and three years of residency in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health illnesses. Some mental health conditions psychiatrists are equipped to treat are major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD and schizophrenia.
Psychiatrists work in private practices, hospitals, university medical centres, prisons, rehabilitation centers, and many other settings. Psychiatrists generally make use of psychological testing, individual evaluations, as well as laboratory testing, so that they may eliminate any physical cause of the symptoms. The primary mode of treatment offered by psychiatrists is medication.
What does a Psychologist do?
The next question is what does a psychologist do for treating depression? Psychologists have education and training in psychology and use various treatment modalities to help patients gain insight and manage their mental health. Some treatment modalities used by psychologists include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, art therapy, family-based interventions, etc. They do not prescribe medication. Clinical psychologists are also trained to evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions.
Let’s understand a few scenarios to learn when to see a Psychiatrist for depression or when to choose a Psychologist for depression
What type of Doctor treats depression?
Even though psychologists and psychiatrists play the biggest role in handling the treatment of mental health disorders, there are several other healthcare providers who play an extremely significant role in handling depression management.
General practitioners and primary care physicians are the first health professionals contacted by individuals suffering from symptoms of depression. The two can both diagnose and begin the treatment process and can also have prescriptions for such medications.
The other significant contributors are the nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who also act similarly in terms of assessment and diagnosis of the different treatments, among other treatments.
Furthermore, these health practitioners team with mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care, and in case of need, they refer patients to psychologists or psychiatrists for specialized treatment.
General Practitioners and Primary Care Physicians
General practitioners and primary-care physicians are mostly where people go when they start noticing the first symptoms of depression. They are placed in a vantage position to make the diagnosis of depression, carry out initial treatment, and prescribe medications such as antidepressants. It is also commonplace for PCP's to refer their patients to mental health experts and sometimes to psychologists or psychiatrists for further specialized treatment.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs)
Differential diagnosis and management of depression require important roles played by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These professionals can commonly be found working in primary care settings and, therefore, will have the skills for assessing, diagnosing, and initializing appropriate treatment for depression.
It enables them to prescribe medications and provide continuing care for mental health conditions, having close liaison not only with the primary physician or doctor treating the patients but also with mental health specialists in ensuring total care to patients.
What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Psychiatrist for Depression
Visiting a psychiatrist for the first time can be overwhelming, although it's really one of the biggest steps toward getting better. Here's a friendly guide as to what to expect:
1. Initial Paperwork
Upon entry, you will be asked to fill in some forms about your medical history, current medications, and where you are regarding symptoms. This gives the psychiatrist background on what you're experiencing.
2. Getting to Know You
Your psychiatrist will start off by talking to you. They will ask about your symptoms, when they started, how long you've had them, and how much they are affecting your life and daily functioning. Share openly your personal and family medical history, including mental health.
3. Knowing About Your Mental Health
They will enquire about your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. The psychiatrist may use some questionnaires to learn more about your depression better.
4. Assessment of Your Physical Health
You may need to undergo a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that might be precipitating your symptoms. They may ask you to go for some lab tests if necessary.
5. Discussion of Diagnosis
After the evaluation, the psychiatrist will discuss the result of the evaluation with you. They will describe what is happening and how the depression may be affecting you.
6. Treatment Plan
They will devise a treatment plan in your best interest. It may include:
- Medications: They might prescribe antidepressants and explain how they function, including possible side effects.
- Counseling: They may make arrangements for you to see a psychologist or therapist.
- Lifestyle Tips: You can get advice about exercising, dieting, and sleeping patterns that help maintain good mental health.
7. Asking Questions
You are free to ask any questions to your psychiatrist or share your feelings concerning being diagnosed with depression and your treatment plan. You must ask whatever’s on your mind so that you are comfortable and well-informed.
8. Follow-ups
The doctor would schedule further follow-ups with you to go through your progress, adjust your medications if needed, and ensure that the treatment works.
Your first visit to a psychiatrist is about understanding what's going on and getting you on track to feel better. Remember, it is totally up to you how much effort you put in— your psychiatrist will be there for you every step of the way.
How do Psychiatrists treat depression?
A psychiatrist would play an important role in treating depression by using a collaborative approach and working with other professionals like therapists, primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals.
This team effort ensures the patient is able to address both the psychological as well as physiological aspects of depression. The key role a psychiatrist performs is medication management.
A psychiatrist prescribes and monitors antidepressants and various other medications, adjusting the dose as per the need to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects of the medicine. By collaborating with therapists, a psychiatrist ensures their patients get a balanced treatment which includes both medication as well as psychotherapy.
What is a Psychotherapy Treatment for Depression?
Psychotherapy is an important component of treating depression. There are a few evidence-based therapies used in this treatment, which are as follows:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts which can lead to depression. This helps the patient develop a healthier way of thinking and coping with the challenges.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
An IPT therapy addresses the interpersonal issue of the individual which might contribute to depression. Interpersonal issues like relationship conflict or a significant change in life are some examples. Moreover, it can improve your communication skills and social support networks.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
This therapy combines cognitive therapy and mindfulness practices to help patients stay present and develop a non-judgemental awareness of their thoughts and feelings by replacing the risk of relapse.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS)
A non-invasive brain stimulation method called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) has shown effectiveness in the treatment of depression. It entails delivering a 2mA–3mA low-level electrical current to specific parts of the brain, which can aid in in stimulating the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. According to studies, TDCS can be a useful supplementary therapy for depression, especially when used in conjunction with conventional therapies. It is shown to function by boosting neural activity, which can lessen depressive symptoms.
Learn more on how Mave Health's tDCS device 'ARC' aids individuals in managing depression symptoms.
What is Psychoeducation?
An effective depression treatment includes educating individuals about the condition. The patient would identify symptoms, and causes of depression, as well as learn more about the various treatment alternatives with the help of psychoeducation. Psychoeducation also puts emphasis on managing depression by using the right coping methods. A well-informed patient would take an active role in their healing process.
What are the medications available for treating depression?
There are various classes of medications used to treat depression, each has its own methods of action and potential side effects:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression. The medication works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain to improve the mood of the human.
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
SNRIs increase the level of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This is often used when the previously mentioned medication fails.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
This is an older class of antidepressants which can be very effective but might have more side effects than the newer medications. This medication is typically used when other treatments fail.
Atypical Antidepressants
These medications don't fit exactly in the other medication classes but are quite effective when dealing with and treating depression.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting a healthy lifestyle habit can impact the management of the depression:
Exercise & Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can boost your mood by increasing the levels of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals inside the brain by aiming for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Healthy Eating Habits
A balanced diet which is rich in fruits, and vegetables can improve your overall well-being and mood. Avoiding excessive sugar and processed food also helps stabilize energy levels and mood.
Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep hygiene includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment and avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bedtime. Quality sleep is important for emotional and physical health.
Stress Management Techniques
Practicing deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help manage stress and reduce symptoms of depression. Moreover, finding healthy ways to cope with stress is important for long-term mental health.
Building an Emotional Support System
Emotional support is central to depression treatment and recovery. A strong support system can offer comfort, encouragement and practical help.
Family & Friends
Having close friends and family members can become a source of emotional support and help the patients feel less isolated. An open communication with your loved ones is important to release the stress and minimize the depression.
Support Groups
Support groups, either in-person or online, can help connect with other people who are facing similar challenges, thus building a sense of community and shared understanding.
Wrapping Up!
Depression is a mental health concern which can impact anyone. But it can be managed by seeking help from a mental health professional. It is necessary to understand different types of depression and treatment options Remember you’re not alone in this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are a few common symptoms of depression?
Common symptoms of depression include;
- Continuous sadness
- Loss of interest in different activities
- Changes in your sleep and appetite
2. Who can depression affect?
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
- What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while psychologists focus on psychotherapy and behavioral interventions.
- Can lifestyle changes help manage depression?
Yes, regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene can significantly impact depression management.
- Is it normal to feel nervous about seeing a psychiatrist for depression for the first time?
Yes, it's normal to feel nervous, but seeking help is a crucial step towards feeling better.
Citations:
- Family Psychiatry & Therapy. (2018, June). How psychiatrists treat depression
- Pacific Health Systems. (n.d.). Is a psychiatrist or psychologist better for depression? Retrieved from
- Amaha Health. (n.d.). How a psychiatrist can help you overcome depression
- Naveen Hospital. (n.d.). What does a psychiatrist do for depression?
- Verywell Mind. (n.d.). I think I’m depressed. Now what?
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Depression.
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